FAN Stands in Solidarity Against Islamophobia 

Franciscan Action Network was alerted by one of its members in Connecticut about a press conference and rally against Islamophobia.  This rally and press conference were called as a result of the dehumanizing and unchristian action of "Operation Save America."  Rev. Larry Janezic, OFM, Interim Executive Director of FAN, was humbled by an invitation to write a letter in support of the efforts at peacemaking in the midst of a very difficult time for our Muslim brothers and sisters in Connecticut.  

In the light of what appears to be a growing animosity directed towards Muslims in the U.S., we are encouraged to reflect upon our Brother Francis' example as we discern what actions the circumstances of our own time, and the witness of the Gospel, ask of us. 

Franciscans have had a strong connection with the global Muslim community going all the way back to Francis' own encounter with a Muslim sultan in the 13th century. In the midst of the Crusades, Francis chose to separate from the Crusaders and enter Muslim territory unarmed.  He was taken to the Sultan, where it is said the two spent several days in conversation about God and their respective beliefs.  The Sultan saw in Francis a true commitment to a way of peace and he was given safe passage out of the territory. For his part, Francis brought back a number of practices from the Islamic faith that he subtly integrated into the Rule for the Friars Minor.

As a result, Franciscans friars and sisters live and minister in many parts of the world in which Muslim communities thrive and are respected as true brothers and sisters in the those communities. FAN's letter of support is a continuing example of this long-standing relationship - forged now, as it was in the beginning, by civil, respectful, and loving discourse between two human persons. It was an obvious action that Franciscans should do.
 
Please keep the FAN Action Center informed of other actions you are taking to stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and all that are facing hateful speech and action. Consider, too, the principles of the F.R.A.N.C.I.S. Commitment to Civility in Discourse and take the time to learn more about FAN's efforts to promote civil dialogue in the upcoming election season. 

 USCCB Policy Advisor Praises Financial Reform Law, Calls for Improvements

Aspects of new law support FAN priorities for economic justice, affordable housing

by Thomas Shellabarger
Policy Advisor, Office of Domestic Social Development
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Special article for FAN

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010. The new law, also known as the Dodd-Frank Act, is the largest financial reform since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. After a long struggle, much of it due to the extreme partisanship that grips Washington, D.C. these days, the final legislation provides new rules for financial institutions and long over do protection for consumers.

Read more.

Franciscan Responses to the Gulf Oil Disaster

On Wednesday, July 21, FAN hosted a conference call to pray for and learn about the ongoing response to the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Participants heard from Bro. Jeffrey Wilson, TOR about his experience during a visit home to Pensacola, FL; perspectives from the region from Sisters of Charity hosting a house of hospitality for volunteers and representatives of Our Lady of the Lake College in Baton Rouge; and ways to help from Kristina Peterson of the University of New Orleans. We also learned about S. 3597, Sen. Jay Rockefeller's SHORE (Securing Health for Ocean Resources and Environment) Act.

If you were not able to join us, you can download and listen to a recording of the call. (Please excuse the delay at the beginning. Participants' expressed views do not necessarily reflect FAN's official positions on matters of public policy.)

The Franciscan Action Network is proud to partner with Odyssey Networks in the "Million Minutes for Peace Campaign." Together we're working to collect one million pledges to pray for peace for one minute at  noon on the United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21). Please join by pledging your prayer for peace,  then spread the word! SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS The Franciscan Action Network is proud to partner with Odyssey Networks in the "Million Minutes for Peace Campaign." Together we're working to collect one million pledges to pray for peace for one minute at noon on the United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21). Please join by pledging your prayer for peace, then spread the word!